Tenable Properties of Sodium Alginate-Gelatin Biopolymer Membranes: Development and Comprehensive Characterization

This study focuses on the development and comprehensive characterization of sodium alginate-based biopolymer membranes incorporated with varying concentrations of gelatin (0–2g). Five formulations were prepared using the solvent casting method, maintaining a constant sodium alginate content (5g) while incrementally increasing gelatin from 0 to 2 g in 0.5g steps. The membranes were evaluated for film thickness, droplet size, zeta potential, colorimetric attributes, molecular interactions (FTIR), thermal stability (TGA), and mechanical properties. Results indicated that gelatin incorporation enhanced mechanical strength and thermal resistance up to an optimal concentration, while also affecting the structural and physicochemical characteristics of the films. These findings highlight the potential of sodium alginate–gelatin composite membranes as promising materials for sustainable and biodegradable packaging applications.